MOSCOW: July 9, 2011 Patriarchal Congratulations to Archbishop Gabriel on the 15th Anniversary of His Consecration

His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia sent congratulations to His Eminence Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada on the 15th anniversary of his consecration.

To Your Eminence Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada

Your Eminence:

I send heartfelt greetings to you on the 15th anniversary of your consecration as bishop.

Before accepting the grace of episcopacy, you had the opportunity to partake of the monastic tradition of Orthodox piety of your spiritual guides, strengthening in spirit in the carrying out of various obediences for the Church. Having been “endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49), you began to preach the Kingdom of Heaven, and even now “follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness” (1 Timothy 6:11).

May the All-Merciful Master preserve you through the intercession of the Mother of God in spiritual and physical strength, long life and spiritual joy, blessing your labors in the Vineyard of Christ.